Anna Maria Island was listed among the 12 best family vacation spots in the world by FlipKey.com, a vacation rental website. FlipKey a relatively new TripAdvisor partner website, said in its rating, “This hidden gem is considered to be Florida’s …

Vacation Rental Site Uncovers the Top Family Vacation Destinations around the World BOSTON, July 10, 2013 – FlipKey.com, a leading vacation rental marketplace, announced the top spots for family vacation travel that included Anna Maria Island, Florida. From learning more about America’s …

The proposed plan for Long Bar Pointe on Sarasota Bay. Islander Graphic: Courtesy Manatee County

American photographer, author and environmental activist Ansel Adams once wrote, “It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment.” That sentiment runs parallel to a growing number of people and organizations rallying against a …

Rows of rusting rebar stakes dot the landscape of the proposed Mainsail development site. The property has been a city eyesore for years. Islander Photo: Mark Young

Holmes Beach commissioners July 23 agreed to move forward with mediating the Mainsail development project near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives. However, after an encouraging first round of negotiations June 21, doubts were renewed if mediation would be …

Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn told commissioners at their July 25 meeting that the growing influx to the city of visitors on weekends and holidays is threatening residents’ quality of life, and many have told her they will move unless the …

Anna Maria commissioners in a special session July 25 adopted a tentative millage rate of 2.10 — a tax increase for the 2013-14 fiscal year budget. Commission Chair Chuck Webb noted that the tentative rate can only be lowered during …

Anna Maria city commissioners at their July 25 meeting adopted an amendment to the city’s liquor ordinance, allowing restaurants that meet certain criteria to apply for a special use permit to serve liquor and mixed drinks. The city’s present ordinance …

A U.S. Coast Guard boat from the Cortez Station rescued two boaters around 1:45 p.m. July 19, after their 9-foot boat capsized near the Cortez Bridge during high winds. A bystander called the Coast Guard and the two men were …

Despite several new hires in various Holmes Beach departments, Mayor Carmel Monti announced July 23 that he was comfortable keeping the city’s millage rate for the 2013-14 fiscal year the same as this year — 1.7500. A mill is $1 …